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Want to change the world? Full of the feels to do something about a cause important to you? You're in luck! No other UK Students' Union has a Student Social Impact team. In fact, we don't think any other university has such a team. What's social impact, we hear you cry! It's the effect of your actions on people and communities - especially when those actions help make the world fairer, kinder, or more sustainable.

What does this mean for you at UCL right now? It's about using your time at university to do things that matter in this way - whether it's through your studies, your passions, or the way you show up in the world. You're here to study right? Wrong! Well, kinda wrong. You are here to shape the world around you. Your degree is one thing but exploring your ideas, passions, and projects can add soo-o much colour and light to your degree. Indeed, it'll add value and quality to your student life.

How to take positive, intentional, and ethical action and change the world around us is 100% our team's passion - it's what gets us all out of bed each morning!

There's lots of ways to take a little - or a large - step into the world of socially impactful activities.

News

Celebrating Student Volunteering Week at Students' Union UCL
Student Volunteering Week, 10 - 16 February, is a national celebration where universities and schools across the country step up to organise opportunities and events to celebrate students who have volunteered as well as encourage more of their students to volunteer and help local communities.
Reflections on a Big Help Out
What's a Big Help Out?Our 'Big Help Outs' bring a group of students together for a day of giving back, meeting new friends, all while supporting local community organisations.
"... this partnership made me feel braver about taking on other projects"
Laura from Coin Street shares her experience working with Empovthise UCL, a student-led project that focuses on improving technological literacy and achieving digital equity.
Volunteering brings something really unique to my time here in London

Events

Volunteering
Craft at The Museum 🐅🐘🦩🐧🐊
18/03/2026 | 12:30 - 15:00
Crafternoon in the Museum of ZoologyOrigami + Zoology Museum + a social cause = a whale of a time 🐋Hi creative creatures! For one afternoon only, come with us to the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology to learn how to make origami animals, and create cot mobiles for children's wards at a local hospital. No creative experience needed! This workshop is suitable for all: you'll learn everything you…
Volunteering
Terms of Engagement Setting Workshop
18/03/2026 | 18:30 - 20:30
This workshop will help students and organisations to establish the mechanisms for successful partnership working throughout the dissertation process. We will equip you with practical tools for collaboration and help you create a realistic gameplan for the next 6 months. There will also be time for networking and friendly chatting, where you can chat to other students and not-for-profits involved…
Give it a Go
Cook for Change: East London Cooking Classes with KERB+ Chefs
19/03/2026 | 11:00 - 13:30
Join us for a hands-on 2.5-hour cooking class that brings together food, skills, and social impact.